Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has higher prevalence and death rates in rural than urban populations. John Linnell, a rural COPD Foundation State Captain, talks about the disease and how he and other Captains can be partners in efforts to impact this disease.

Scott County, Indiana, has been in the national spotlight since experiencing the largest HIV outbreak in rural America’s recent history. The town’s only physician at the time, Dr. William Cooke, took action to bring healing and hope to his community of Austin and the surrounding county. In this Q&A, he shares the motivation behind his compassionate approach to care.

Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health Director Karen Madden shares how New York State’s rural health organizations work together and describes her work and collaborations at the national level to promote rural health.

Dr. Art Kaufman discusses the Health Extension Rural Offices (HEROs) model, how he is helping promote the use of community health workers, and his work with the University of New Mexico’s World Health Organization Collaborating Center.

Dr. Octavio Martinez discusses the current state of the U.S. mental health system, the particular challenges faced in rural America, and the work of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to improve the mental health care system in Texas.

Karen McNeil-Miller shares how the Colorado Health Foundation is increasing its focus on the health of rural communities and the importance of listening to and collaborating with the communities in that endeavor.

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